The reliability and criterion validity of the Self Evaluation Tool on Shared Decision Making in Dementia Care Networks

Abstract

Title The reliability and criterion validity of the Self Evaluation Tool on Shared Decision Making in Dementia Care Networks. Background Different types of decisions need to be made in dementia care networks (DCN). Persons with dementia want to participate in these processes, but their abilities decline as of their decease. Shared Decision Making (SDM) provides an opportunity for them to be involved. A model on SDM including dementia was developed. The Self Evaluation Tool on SDM was based on this model. Providing in measurable results on SDM, professionals gain insight in their self-evaluated SDM-abilities and are able to enhance them. Aim The objective was to assess the reliability and criterion validity of the SET-SDM for case-managers and principal nurses and attendants (PN) working in DCN. Method This study had a cross-sectional design. The sample (N=59) consisted of casemanagers in home-care setting and following a training on SDM, and PN in nursing-homes, both parties delivering care to persons with dementia. They administered the questionnaires as part of a training on SDM or solely for the study. Reliability was measured as internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. The reference test for criterion validity, the SDM-Q-Doc, was measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results The SET-SDM has a ‘sufficient’ internal consistency of 𝛼 = 0.9 and was ‘medium’ correlated with the SDM-Q-Doc (𝑟 = 0.42,𝑝 < 0.01). Conclusion With positive results on reliability and criterion validity, the SET-SDM could serve as an impulse to deliver better quality of care to persons with dementia and their care network. Recommendations Further research is needed to assess other types of validity of the SETSDM. However, raising awareness that SDM can be applied in DCN is recommended to do now. Using the instrument can help getting familiar with the SDM-steps.